In a Deadline exclusive, it’s being reported that Ryan Kiera Armstrong (Anne With An E, It: Chapter II), who made history as American Horror Story’s first lead young actor and played the lead role in the remake of Firestarter, has been cast in a lead role for the pilot of Hulu’s untitled Buffy The Vampire Slayer Reboot. She will be starring alongside 90’s star Sarah Michelle Gellar (Cruel Intentions, I Know What You Did Last Summer), who will also be executive producing the show.

Deadline reports that the show will be directed by the Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao (Eternals, No Man’s Land) and written by the sister duo Nora and Lilla Zuckerman (Poker Face, Suits). The show will take place after the events of the original series. Armstrong’s character is said to be that of an introverted high school student. Further information on the project seems to be scarce,

Deadline quotes Gellar as to saying, “From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side.”  She goes on, “To have that kind of emotional intelligence and talent, at such a young age, is truly a gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room.

In a post to Instagram, Gellar captures the moment she broke the news to an overjoyed and emotional Armstrong. Gellar confesses that from the moment she saw Armstrong’s audition tape, she knew that there was no one else who was a better fit for the role.

 

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Deadline also reports that country music hall of famer Dolly Parton (Dolly, 9 to 5) was a producer on the original show and will be returning as an executive producer for the pilot. Also returning from the original shows executive producer team will be Gail Berman (Elvis, Wednesday) and Fran and Kaz Kuzui (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel).